If you are planning a family vacation, you are probably looking for the least expensive flights to your destination. There are many factors affecting the price of airline tickets. Carefully plan your vacation to take advantage of the best time to book a flight.
Determine when and where you will be vacationing. As soon as you know this information, you need to look for flights. If you wait until one or two weeks before your vacation to book a flight, you will pay higher prices. By booking a flight several weeks or even one or two months before your vacation, you have the opportunity to take the time necessary to find the best rates.
View airline prices online several times per day. Some of the best websites to visit to find competitive prices include Travelocity and Expedia. You might be surprised to learn that plane ticket prices can change several times in a 24-hour period. By checking prices at least three times per day, you are more likely to pinpoint the best rates for your budget.
Alter your vacation dates slightly if it means saving money. In fact, by adjusting your departure dates just a day or two, you could find big savings. The same is sometimes true if you are willing to modify your date of return.
Plan to leave for your vacation on a weekday rather than the weekend. Weekend flights can be much more expensive than flights during the week. Most airline companies offer the lowest rates if you fly near the middle of the workweek. Make your travel plans accordingly.
Arrange a vacation for an off-season at your destination. Airlines and tourist locations want people to continue traveling during the off-season. They often offer excellent rates during these times to keep up the flow of tourists. Obviously you do not want to visit a sunny resort during the rainiest season; however, you can plan your vacation for right before or right after the highest tourist season for that area.
Do not schedule a flight on a major holiday unless it is absolutely necessary. If you are planning to visit family for the holidays, save money by scheduling your vacation for a few days before or after the holiday. In cases where you want to be home on the exact holiday, schedule a flight for a few days before the holiday. Airplane ticket prices become more expensive as holidays approach.
